Project WILD Activities

Leave it to Leaves

Energy Pipeline

Students simulate organic production and energy loss in ecosystems. The class acts as a growth assembly line that becomes increasingly complex with each round. Upon completion students explain why energy dissipates; contrast the transfer of energy and the recycling of organic material; and relate the role of each tropic level to ecosystem changes. Requires large bucket of pea-sized gravel or tokens or dried beans; large empty bucket; labeled Used-Up Calories; a box of reusable plastic sandwich bags; copies of metabolism cards for each pair of students; 52 plastic cups, one for each metabolism card; 6 small paper cups; 3X5 cards; transparency marking pens. A whistle and colored gravel is optional.

Good Buddies

Students research pairs of animals, play a card game, and classify the pairs of animals according to the three major forms of symbiotic relationships. Upon completion students define symbiosis, commensalism, mutualism and parasitism; identify animals that live in each type of relationship; and explain that symbiotic relationships are examples of the intricate web of interdependence in which all plants and animals live. Requires copies of cards provided in activity; research materials.

Grasshopper Gravity

Students observe, handle and describe live grasshoppers or crickets. Upon completion students describe a relationship between structure and function; generalize that wildlife ranges from small to large and occurs in a variety of forms; recognize that people have power to affect other animals and with that power comes responsibility. Requires one plastic container; hand lenses; live grasshoppers or crickets for every two students; chalkboard.

What's for dinner?

Students list and analyze the sources of foods. Upon completion students generalize that all animals including people depend on plants as a food source, either directly or indirectly. Requires writing materials; chalkboard. Optional poster board and drawing materials.

Wildlife is Everywhere!

Students search their environment for evidence of wildlife. Upon completion students state that humans and wildlife share environments; and generalize that wildlife is present in areas all over the earth. Requires no materials. String is optional.